Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinus

While the Peregrine Falcon is now one of the most widespread birds of prey, it was not too long ago their populations were decimated. Peregrines were listed as Endangered because of the impacts of the pesticide DDT. Birds are important indictors of change, and the decline in Peregrine Falcon populations was an indicator of how dangerous DDT was to wildlife, and potentially humans.

This pesticide was commonly used in open fields and throughout crop areas to control insects during the 1950s and 1960s. As DDT cycled up the food chain from the plants to small mammals and birds, which Peregrine Falcons eat, the pesticide built up in their fat tissues. Eventually, the chemicals in DDT affected the amount of calcium in the eggs they laid. These thin-shelled eggs were crushed by the adult bird before the young could hatch. The U.S. banned DDT in 1972, and Peregrine populations began to increase. By 2000, it was removed from the Endangered Species list.

Fun Facts

The Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds up to 389 km/h (242 mph) during its astounding hunting technique of its fast dive called a stoop. This makes the Peregrine Falcon the fastest within the animal kingdom!